Border Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan: Mortar Shells Target Residential Areas
Hundreds of mortar and artillery shells fired by Pakistani forces have hit parts of Paktia, Paktika, Khost, and Nuristan provinces, resulting in the deaths of three civilians, injuries to three others, and forcing dozens of families to flee their homes. These incidents have occurred over the past 24 hours.
Mullah Hamdullah Fetrat, deputy spokesperson of the Taliban administration, stated that the shelling has affected multiple districts in these provinces. According to him, on Tuesday evening, a mortar shell struck the village of Kot in Dandpatan district of Paktia province, killing at least three civilians and injuring two more.
Fetrat also said that in Shkin district of Paktia, 12 mortar shells and 14 artillery rounds targeted residential areas and public facilities. He added that most of the shells fell on barren land, abandoned houses, and around the district’s police headquarters, causing no casualties.
Additionally, about 90 mortar and artillery shells were fired at Bermel district in Paktika province. In Zazi Maidan district of Khost province, heavy weapons targeted residents’ homes, injuring one person and displacing many families.
In Kamdish district of Nuristan province, several villages came under fire, forcing residents to leave their homes. According to provided information, several houses were partially destroyed and 20 head of livestock were killed.
The continuation of such border attacks raises serious concerns about the safety of civilians along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Although the Taliban administration is responsible for providing security and protecting the lives and property of residents, the recurrence of these incidents raises questions about how border tensions are managed and how harm to civilians can be prevented.
